Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 50-year-old Bernard L. Brown of Buffalo was arraigned this morning before Buffalo City Court Judge Samuel Davis on three counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree (Class “A” felony), three counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree (Class “B” felony), and two counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor).
It is alleged that on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at approximately 6:55 p.m., Sheriff’s Office Detectives, assisted by the Buffalo Police Intelligence Unit and members of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force did execute three search warrants where a large amount of suspected cocaine and drug paraphernalia was recovered.
The defendant, who is an employee of the City of Buffalo Department of Public Works, was suspended with pay following his arraignment.
Brown is scheduled to return on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing. He was held without bail.
If convicted of the highest charge, Brown faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.
DA Flynn commends Erie County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Detectives, the Buffalo Police Department Intelligence Unit, and members of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force for their work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Chief Ryan D. Haggerty of the Narcotics Unit.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
